Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 24

24: I Understand

Yao Zhi regretted it to death.

If he had known earlier, he would have preferred to wait at the Marquis’s residence. This damn Gao Yi said he just needed help queuing for a while, but it ended up being the entire time! He stood under the scorching sun for half a day, his legs sore, while Gao Yi sat comfortably in the shade, “supervising” him with a fierce gaze!

This is utterly unreasonable! It’s not like he wanted to eat pineapple cakes!

But Yao Zhi didn’t dare to run away. He had never practiced martial arts and was afraid that if he messed up, Gao Yi might catch him and beat him up.

The current Gao Yi couldn’t be judged by normal standards.

Jiang Ci had been sitting on the side resting, and only when Yao Zhi finally reached the front of the line did she go over to pay.

Carrying a bag of pineapple cakes, Jiang Ci patted Yao Zhi contentedly, “Thanks for the hard work.”

A vein popped on Yao Zhi’s forehead as he gritted out a few words through his teeth, “…Can we go back now?”

Jiang Ci waved her hand, “Let’s go!”

The two rode their horses through the streets. Since they had already bought what they needed, they weren’t in as much of a hurry on the way back.

Yao Zhi kept a stern face the entire time, clearly the picture of someone who had been wronged.

“You’re really something, aren’t you?” Jiang Ci said leisurely, “Why are you so insistent on finding Doctor Xue? I’m perfectly healthy, not a single ailment. You’ve wasted half a day with me, queued for two hours, and the consultation took only ten minutes. What’s the point?”

The reason she was mistaken for a lunatic was because she wanted to prove her identity in front of Xi Lingxue by performing a street dance.

Really, in front of others, she would definitely behave properly.

What could Doctor Xue possibly see?

Yao Zhi tilted his head back and let out a sigh. He no longer wanted to argue with this delusional person; it was utterly meaningless.

When the two arrived at the Marquis’s residence, Jiang Ci saw from a distance the guards stationed at the main gate and a petite maid.

Jin Yu anxiously looked around, and when she finally saw Gao Yi, her eyes lit up, and she quickly ran up to meet them.

Jin Yu had been instructed by Xi Lingxue to wait here, aiming to deliver a message before Gao Yi could meet Doctor Xue.

“Marquis…” Jin Yu cautiously glanced at Yao Zhi, who was following behind, and whispered, “Her Highness asked me to tell you something.”

Before Jiang Ci could respond, Yao Zhi, with an arrogant demeanor, spoke first, “This maid of yours has no manners at all. She doesn’t even greet people when she sees them?”

Jin Yu stiffened. Serving by the princess’s side, she had grown accustomed to not worrying about such formalities. Later, Gao Yi hadn’t bothered with them either, so she had enjoyed a few days of freedom and had gotten used to it. Now, with her mind preoccupied, she had momentarily forgotten the etiquette.

Jin Yu quickly made up for it, bowing and saluting, “Greetings to the Marquis, greetings to—”

“Enough, enough.” Jiang Ci dismounted, helping her up with one hand, “Ignore him. He’s a lunatic.”

Yao Zhi: “???”

“Hey… now you’re saying I’m the sick one? Servants should act like servants! If the rules aren’t established properly, it’s your face as the Marquis of Dingyuan that’s being disgraced, and yet you’re blaming me?” Yao Zhi’s face was full of disdain, “Really… you should go see Doctor Xue quickly!”

Jiang Ci didn’t care, “I’ll go when I go.”

Jin Yu hurriedly tugged at her sleeve, turning her back to Yao Zhi and quickly saying, “…Don’t let Doctor Xue examine your gland.”

Jiang Ci was stunned for a moment, blinked, and asked, “Is this the princess’s intention?”

Jin Yu nodded.

Jiang Ci understood. The Black Lotus was specifically reminding her…

The gland was such a private organ; how could she let an old man examine it? Even if he were also a Qianjun, it wouldn’t be appropriate!

The Black Lotus still cared for her.

Jiang Ci nodded knowingly, “Don’t worry, I understand.”

Jin Yu: “???”

What does this understanding… mean? She shouldn’t know that the gland has been destroyed.

The three of them entered the Marquis’s residence together. Jin Yu noticed the item Jiang Ci was carrying in her hand and was secretly surprised.

She really went to buy pineapple cakes for the princess…

She’s quite nice, isn’t she?

In the main hall, Xi Lingxue remained seated in silence, facing Doctor Xue. Her slender, jade-like fingers held a teacup, and she took a small sip, her mind wandering elsewhere, completely unable to taste the tea.

She had sent Jin Yu to deliver a message, but she didn’t know if Gao Yi would become suspicious because of it.

Regarding the gland matter, Xi Lingxue always felt a deep sense of guilt toward her. If Gao Yi had remained her usual self, perhaps she wouldn’t feel so remorseful. But this person had suddenly developed a mental disorder, her temperament had drastically changed, and she was now protective of her…

Now, even using her felt unbearable, as if there was a constant sense of guilt.

Xi Lingxue lowered her eyes, lost in thought, forgetting to put down the teacup.

Doctor Xue, seeing this, thought she was worried about Gao Yi, so he cleared his throat and comforted her, “Your Highness, there’s no need to worry. I heard that before today’s court session, the Marquis of Dingyuan asked several officials about which shop’s pineapple cakes were the best. I estimate that she must have gone to the south of the city right after court, and she’ll probably have to queue for a while longer.”

Xi Lingxue was slightly startled, her ears quickly turning red, “Why would she ask about such things in court…”

Any shop’s pineapple cakes would do; they were just a snack. She had thought that Gao Yi could just bring some back on her way home from court. Of course, if she forgot, it wouldn’t matter, since their relationship was merely contractual, not a real marital one.

The usually cold princess was actually shy, like ice and snow beginning to melt, even Doctor Xue was momentarily dazzled.

“No wonder…” He shook his head and smiled, “No wonder the Marquis of Dingyuan dared to defy His Majesty.”

Hearing the word “defy” Xi Lingxue’s heart tightened, and she hurriedly asked, “Over what matter?”

They had been sitting in silence for half a day, but now, as soon as the Marquis of Dingyuan was mentioned, the princess became so anxious. Doctor Xue couldn’t help but sigh; the couple was truly deeply in love. He didn’t know who had spread the rumor that they didn’t get along.

“Oh, it’s nothing, just His Majesty said—”

“Your Highness, the Marquis has arrived!”

Jin Yu’s voice suddenly rang out, interrupting Doctor Xue.

Xi Lingxue looked up and saw a figure in a deep purple court robe lifting the hem of her clothes, stepping briskly over the threshold, bringing with her a refreshing breeze. She held up a package in her hand, smiling brilliantly, “Here, pineapple cakes, I bought them for you~”

Xi Lingxue took them, but her gaze remained fixed on the other’s face, her emotions quite complex. Seeing the thin layer of sweat on the other’s forehead, she took out a handkerchief and stood up, “Aren’t you tired? Why did you have to go to the south of the city…”

Jiang Ci closed her eyes, enjoying the beauty’s care, her lips curling up uncontrollably, “Of course, I wanted to give you the best. Besides, I’m not tired.”

Yao Zhi, who had followed them in, saw this scene and his eyes turned green with envy.

Of course, you’re not tired! I was the one who queued up!

This guy… even got the princess to wipe his sweat for him!

“Doctor Xue!” He took three steps in one, sweeping over like a gust of wind, grabbing the old man’s arm, and whispered, “Gao Yi… she’s been drugged with a love potion! You must find a way to cure her!”

Doctor Xue, holding his tea, almost spat it out.

…A love potion?!

He turned to look at Gao Yi again, who was chatting and laughing with the princess, her eyes clear and bright, not at all like someone under the influence of a love potion.

Before coming to the Marquis’s residence, he had asked the messenger eunuch for some information. It was said that Gao Yi had angered His Majesty, which was why he was summoned to see her.

Doctor Xue understood that this was just the emperor finding a way to save face.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Yao Zhi standing next to Doctor Xue, so Xi Lingxue took the opportunity to stand on her tiptoes and whisper in Jiang Ci’s ear, “Did Jin Yu tell you everything?”

Her sudden closeness, her warm breath brushing against Jiang Ci’s ear, her pleasant voice carrying a certain magic that teased the nerves, making it hard to tell whether it was her ear or her heart that was itching.

Jiang Ci swallowed hard, nodded emphatically, and when she spoke again, her voice was a bit hoarse, “She did… thank you, I understand, you’re doing this for my own good.”

Xi Lingxue was stunned, her eyes filled with confusion, “…For your own good?”

Jiang Ci, seeing her reaction, suddenly remembered that Gao Yi’s gland had been injured by her.

Her heart softened, and she gently hugged Xi Lingxue, comforting her, “It’s not your fault, it’s Gao Yi’s mistake, you were just defending yourself. This is justifiable self-defense.”

Xi Lingxue’s entire body stiffened. With such intimate contact, her first reaction wasn’t to break free, but to tell Gao Yi the truth—your gland is ruined.

And… she hadn’t been that good to Gao Yi.

Her fingers clenched and then relaxed, her eyes downcast, emotions swirling within them.

Yao Zhi was still chattering next to Doctor Xue, but when he turned his head, he happened to catch the two of them “being affectionate.”

…How did they manage to hug in such a short time?!

Yao Zhi’s eyes were blazing, shaking Doctor Xue, “Look! Love potion! Love potion!”

Doctor Xue squinted and tilted his head, what love potion? The couple is deeply in love, what’s wrong with that?!

This Yao Zhi must be deliberately messing with him!

But he still had to carry out the emperor’s orders.

“Ahem, that… Marquis, I have official duties to attend to, and I need to trouble you for a cup of tea’s time.”

Jiang Ci looked up, releasing Xi Lingxue, “Understood, let’s take the pulse.”

The procedure was the same as before: observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking, similar to when Zhang Chengji had examined her. This time, Jiang Ci was very cooperative, answering all questions and sticking out her tongue when asked.

Yao Zhi watched her closely, observing her expression for any abnormalities. When Doctor Xue finished the diagnosis, he hurriedly asked, “How is she?”

“Nothing serious.” Doctor Xue said unhurriedly, advising Jiang Ci, “Just a bit weak, needs more rest.”

Jiang Ci smiled, “Alright, thank you.”

Yao Zhi looked incredulous, “That’s it? Doctor Xue, she’s not under a love potion?”

“I think you’re the one who’s sick!” Repeatedly mentioning a love potion, Jiang Ci couldn’t take it anymore and turned to say, “Doctor Xue, I suspect he’s gone mad. He’s been clinging to me since court, even followed me to buy pineapple cakes, and keeps saying I’ve been drugged.”

“You’re the mad one! Look at all the nonsense you’ve been up to lately!”

“I just took one of your staff, and I even gave you two hundred and fifty taels. We’re family, why are you so stingy?”

“Two hundred and fifty taels is nothing? Now you’re saying we’re family, so as your brother-in-law, why can’t I come and go as I please in the Marquis’s residence?”

“My territory, my rules.”

“Gao Yi!!!”

…

Doctor Xue was caught in the middle, the back-and-forth arguing making his head spin. These two were relatives after all, and he had no intention of getting involved.

Doctor Xue picked up his medical box and was about to leave when his gaze inadvertently swept over Jiang Ci’s neck—a small piece of gauze was visible on the back of her neck.

He paused and asked, “Marquis, your gland injury hasn’t healed yet? Let me take a look.”

Xi Lingxue, hearing this, instinctively tightened her grip on the handkerchief, her eyes on Jiang Ci.

“No need, no need.” Jiang Ci quickly refused, “This minor injury will heal in a few more days, no need to trouble you.”

Doctor Xue frowned, “Marquis, since His Majesty has given the order, it’s my duty to carry it out thoroughly.”

Jiang Ci waved her hand, “No, no, that’s not necessary…”

Xi Lingxue was secretly nervous. Such refusal would surely arouse suspicion; they needed to find a way to divert Doctor Xue.

Before she could think of a solution, Yao Zhi spoke up irritably, “What’s there to see about a stupid gland!”

Yao Zhi thought, who cares about that!

He came here for the love potion!

If this potion isn’t cured, Yao Qin won’t be able to rise. Moreover, with Gao Yi now obsessed with Kunjun, completely disregarding the bigger picture, it would surely affect Prince Duan’s plans.

Yao Zhi said, “Doctor Xue, take a closer look, is she really under a love potion?”

Xi Lingxue raised an eyebrow, what’s this…?

She thought the Yao siblings had noticed the gland issue, but what’s this about a love potion?

“Good heavens, Young Master Yao! What more is there to see?” Doctor Xue, who had been pestered by him all this time, was nearly driven mad, sweating profusely, “I’ve already said, the Marquis is perfectly fine! Not under any love potion!”

Yao Zhi was stunned, feeling as if a string in his brain had snapped, his eyes widening in disbelief.

How could this be?!

Didn’t the letter say it was the princess who drugged her?

Doctor Xue was already somewhat displeased, “Young Master Yao, I must admit my inadequacy, I truly don’t understand what you mean by ‘love potion.’ You should seek someone else.”

Doctor Xue was the head of the Imperial Hospital, the one Consort Yao always called upon for her ailments. His medical skills were beyond doubt. If Zhang Chengji was the most famous in the common folk, then in the palace, it was Doctor Xue.

Yao Zhi, recovering from his shock, forced a smile, “No, Doctor Xue, that’s not what I meant…”

Since Doctor Xue had said so, it couldn’t be a love potion.

…So Yao Qin’s information was wrong?

That idiot sister of mine!

Made me make such a fool of myself! So stupid!

Clenching his fist inside his sleeve, Yao Zhi glanced at Xi Lingxue, his eyes filled with unwillingness.

The princess couldn’t possibly truly like Gao Yi; if there’s no love potion, then she must be pretending…

Yes, the princess must be just enduring for now, temporarily submitting to her.

Thinking this way, Yao Zhi finally felt a bit better.

Gao Yi had just gotten a step ahead; how could such a crude person be worthy of the princess?

The princess would be his sooner or later!

Doctor Xue was thoroughly exhausted. Seeing that Gao Yi was indeed fine, he prepared to take his leave. Spending half a day at the Marquis’s residence was more tiring than delivering babies for the imperial concubines!

Xi Lingxue finally breathed a sigh of relief, never expecting that in the end, it was Yao Zhi who had blocked it…

Since Doctor Xue was leaving, Yao Zhi didn’t plan to stay alone either.

Jiang Ci asked mischievously, “Not going to visit your sister?”

Yao Zhi, furious, flicked his sleeve, “Visit what! Let her reflect on her actions!”

Jiang Ci slid over to Xi Lingxue’s side, “See that? Sibling love, plastic style.”

…Plastic?

Xi Lingxue pondered for a moment, probably not a good term.

Doctor Xue and Yao Zhi left the main hall one after the other. Jiang Ci, staring at Yao Zhi’s retreating figure, suddenly called out to him.

Yao Zhi turned around, and Jiang Ci quickly performed a Popping freestyle solo, her head, neck, shoulders, and limbs all twisting.

Of course, she only danced for a few seconds, her movements very fast, so only those closest to her could notice.

Xi Lingxue: “…”

Jin Yu: “???”

Yao Zhi’s expression instantly cracked. At this moment, he felt as if Gao Yi had turned into a monstrous creature, her body controlled by some eerie force!

Yao Zhi stammered, “Do-Doctor Xue… she’s convulsing, she’s convulsing!”

Doctor Xue was ahead and hadn’t turned around.

Hearing Yao Zhi’s shout, he sighed inwardly, “What is it?”

He turned around with a frown, only to see Yao Zhi pale and trembling all over. Meanwhile, Gao Yi and Xi Lingxue stood together, both perfectly fine.

By the time Doctor Xue turned around, Jiang Ci had already stopped and stood properly.

Xi Lingxue bit her lip, tightly clutching her handkerchief, trying to maintain her composure.

What was this person doing just now…

Jiang Ci, with a concerned face, asked nonchalantly, “What’s wrong with you? Who’s convulsing?”

“…You, it’s you!” Yao Zhi pointed at her, trembling, and grabbed Doctor Xue, “She was just like a ghost, her hands like this, and that… and her neck… as if something was moving inside her body!”

As he spoke, he demonstrated to Doctor Xue, imitating Jiang Ci’s earlier movements, twisting his neck, his chest heaving and thrusting, his arms also twisting and swinging.

The entire Marquis’s residence watched Yao Zhi, even the guards were staring.

Yao Zhi looked as if he was possessed, his limbs flailing wildly, his face contorted, just short of foaming at the mouth.

A dark cloud seemed to hang over Doctor Xue’s forehead.

Jin Yu covered her mouth, trying hard not to laugh.

Help! A perfectly good person has been driven mad by Gao Yi!

Xi Lingxue stood expressionless. Thanks to Gao Yi’s constant provocations, she felt her composure growing stronger…

However, watching Yao Zhi’s “convulsions” she thought Gao Yi’s movements were much more graceful.

Yao Zhi’s imitation was nothing like it.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gao Yi looking panicked, as if greatly frightened.

Xi Lingxue: Such an act…

Jiang Ci was laughing wildly inside, but on the surface, she looked extremely worried, exaggeratingly saying, “Doctor Xue, has my brother-in-law developed hysteria?!”

Doctor Xue snorted through his nose, “From what I see, most likely!”

“…Hysteria?” Yao Zhi, hearing this, exploded on the spot, “I don’t have it! I don’t! You don’t believe me? She was just like this!”

Jiang Ci clasped her hands inside her sleeves, asking seriously, “Princess, did I move just now?”

Xi Lingxue: “…”

Yao Zhi also looked over, pinning all his hopes on her.

Yes, the princess saw it too! Just say one word, and it would prove his innocence!

Now both sides were at a stalemate. Although Doctor Xue leaned more toward Gao Yi, he still wanted to hear Xi Lingxue’s account.

After all, she had witnessed everything.

All eyes turned to her, everyone waiting for Xi Lingxue’s response.

Xi Lingxue took a deep breath, her expression grave, then looked up into Jiang Ci’s eyes. After a moment of searching in those clear, shallow eyes, she said calmly, “No.”

Crack—

Someone’s hope was shattered.